My Experience of Visiting an Old Age Home In Colombia!

Few weeks back, when I was nearing my work closure for this year, I was wondering, how am I going to spend time and do something productive that can give me satisfaction and peace of mind. Silent volunteering has always given me immense satisfaction in life. Triggering with this idea, I contacted my friends in Colombia and asked them, if I can do my bit during this tough pandemic time. Soon, my friends Dhanpreet and Nadya told me that they are thinking of making and delivering meals to an Old Age Home in Bogota, and if I would like to contribute and be a part of it. After a week of discussion, we came up with the idea of making and delivering the proper lunch to them. The meal was approved by the supporting NGO and we started doing the preparation. On Saturday, 27th June, we did the planning and initial preparations. Major work was done by my friends, Dhanpreet and Nadya . 

 On Sunday 28th June, as I stepped out in the morning, I saw it was raining. I knew, it was always to bless me, a myth I always wanted to believe since childhood. ‘Rain wipes my fears and hides my tears’. Well, all 4 of us, cooked the food for 60 people and packed it. Due to the pandemic, we took the maximum precautions.

We reached the venue, and after a few formalities we entered the home with old lovely people. The view brought so many memories back into my life. I controlled my emotions, and smiled and greeted people. It was a small building with rooms  and living areas. The aged people, men and women, were gathered in a discipline manner. Few were chit chatting, few were talking to themselves, few were quiet and lost in their own thoughts. I tried greeting them but I realized our language of communication differs. We went upstairs and soon we were asked to distribute the food and juice personally to each one. It was so overwhelming, as I felt, I would at least get a chance to communicate with each one personally. I, and my friends, Chinay and Dhanpreet, started distributing the lunch packs. Few greeted and blessed us, saying Gracias. One touching moment, was when I tried giving food to an old lady in a room. She said something in Spanish, but I couldn't understand. She took five steps and seated herself and asked for food. I tried helping her in holding the food but she couldn't get a grip. Soon, I realized she is suffering from blindness. I tried helping her in picking the spoon and settled the plate. Stayed there for five minutes speechless and when I saw she was managing herself, I felt a bit of relief. As I was distributing juice, one lady held my hand and said something in Spanish. I smiled, and asked the NGO girl what she was trying to say. She told me, she is saying that can I listen to her life story? Can I sit with her? I smiled and she held my hand. The old lady narrated something in Spanish for a moment and then suddenly she became quiet, lost in her thoughts, and started eating her food. I didn’t understand a single word but I could feel how lonely she felt. With an empathetic feeling, I smiled and moved helping others.


I was amazed seeing how my other two friends were respectfully treating these people. They were visiting everyone graciously, distributing food. There was a very cheerful man who kept on speaking and singing in the living area. He was trying to speak and communicate with Chinay about his family riches. Chinay, with great empathy, listened to him. It was a wonderful feeling seeing it. We walked around and saw people enjoying their food. Few looked with so much love that reminded me of my grand mom. Few expressed wish to hold my hands. Despite I had to maintain social distance for their safety, I couldn't resist and just took their hands and gave them a light hug. No words to express, how I felt that moment. They kept on saying Muchas Gracias and  blessed us. 


I was amazed, the way helpers were feeding a few old people who were unable to eat or manage themselves. Salute to these unsung heroes. I was so thankful to Dhanpreet that he allowed me to be a part of this noble gesture, though he was the one who initiated the idea and planned and did the maximum. Soon, with tears in our eyes and smiles on our face, we said goodbye. While returning on my way back, I was lost in thoughts. Though, I never communicated in their language but I understood so much from their empty eyes and face expressions.   

 

Old people need presence not presents. They desire to be with their loved ones, they need time to hear from them, love to make them comfortable. Whatever riches I may earn, but this is what will give me satisfaction at the end.

 

So truly said, 

‘That is no country for old men.

The young in one another’s arms, birds in the

trees,

—Those dying generations—at their song..’ 

By W. B. Yeats’s ‘Sailing to Byzantium’



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Comments

  1. Very nicely expressed avanti.... old people need someone who can listen to them...but in todays time..that someone is missing.

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    Replies
    1. Agreed. Hope we can inculcate good values and set good examples for the future generation.

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  2. This is beautiful Avantika, both the emotions and gesture!! Much power to you to continue on this heartfelt journey and purpose. Lots of love💜💗

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  3. Very graciously narrated, like one can picture everything happening right infront of their eyes. Wonderful experience buddy!

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  4. AvanTikka, very noble effort during this crisis and well narrated. It encourages me as well. You are a person with lovely and beautiful heart. First helping kids and now elderly. God bless!!! And stay safe.
    ~Deepankar.

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